Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed

Oh, do I have a treat for you! Every December, my kitchen turns into a sprinkle-covered wonderland because I simply can't resist making these soft sugar cookies dressed for the holidays. There's something magical about that fluffy cream cheese glaze and those cheerful little sprinkles-they just scream holiday cheer! I've been baking these since I was a kid, back when my grandma would let me "help" by scattering sprinkles everywhere (and I mean everywhere).

These cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and festive fun. They're soft, slightly sweet, and just sturdy enough to hold that luscious glaze and all the sprinkles your heart desires. Whether you're leaving them out for Santa, packing them into cookie tins for friends, or just sneaking a few with your afternoon coffee (no judgment here), they're guaranteed to spread holiday joy. Plus, they're so easy to make-you probably have everything you need in your pantry already. Let's get baking!

Why You'll Love Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Honestly, what's not to love about these cookies? They're like little edible hugs-warm, sweet, and ridiculously soft. But let me break it down for you:

• They stay soft for days-no sad, crunchy sugar cookies here! The cream cheese glaze keeps them tender, and they practically melt in your mouth.
• Super easy to make. No fancy equipment or techniques-just mix, scoop, and bake. Even if you're usually a "store-bought cookies only" person, you've got this.
• That glaze, though. It's tangy, sweet, and just thick enough to cling to the cookies without dripping everywhere (unless you go wild with it-no complaints from me).
• Instant holiday cheer. A handful of sprinkles transforms them from "nice" to "whoa, Santa would definitely approve." Perfect for cookie swaps or gifting!
• Kids go nuts for them. Letting little hands decorate these is my favorite holiday activity-messy, joyful, and delicious.

Trust me, these cookies disappear fast. I've watched grown adults sneak seconds (and thirds) when they think no one's looking.

Ingredients You'll Need for Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Don't worry-you probably have most of this in your kitchen already! Here's what you'll need to make these festive little gems. I've broken it down into three easy parts: the cookies, the glaze, and the fun stuff on top.

For the Cookies

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled-no packing!)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (yes, both-trust me on this)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (that's 2 sticks, and please don't microwave it-just let it sit out for an hour)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temp is best)
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation)
• 3 tablespoon milk or heavy cream (cream makes them extra soft, but milk works too)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (block style, not the spreadable kind)
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted if it's lumpy)
• 1-2 tablespoon milk (start with 1, add more if needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• Festive sprinkles-go wild! I love the classic red and green, but gold stars or snowflake shapes are gorgeous too.

Pro tip: If your butter or cream cheese isn't quite soft enough, cut it into cubes and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rushing this step leads to lumpy glaze-and we want smooth, dreamy perfection!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Okay, let's get into the fun part-making these cookies! Don't let the multiple steps fool you; it's all super simple. Just follow along, and you'll have a batch of holiday magic in no time.

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives it time to get nice and toasty while you mix the dough.
2. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. No parchment? Silicone mats work great too. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Just until everything's evenly mixed-no need to overdo it. Set this aside for now.

Cream Butter and Sugar

4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes. You want it light and fluffy-this is what gives the cookies that perfect texture. A hand mixer works great here, but a stand mixer or even some serious elbow grease will do!
5. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and milk. Mix just until combined. It might look a little curdled at first-totally normal!

Combine and Scoop Dough

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined-overmixing makes tough cookies, and we want soft, pillowy goodness.
7. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between them; they'll spread a bit. Pro tip: A cookie scoop makes this step lightning-fast and keeps your cookies uniform.

Bake and Cool

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes. They're done when the edges are just barely golden. Don't wait for them to brown-they'll keep cooking a bit as they cool. Overbaked cookies lose that signature softness!
9. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This stops them from overcooking and makes them easier to glaze.

Glaze and Decorate

10. For the glaze, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. No lumps allowed!
11. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more if needed-you want it thick but spreadable.
12. Spread a generous layer of glaze over each cooled cookie. I like using the back of a spoon for that rustic look.
13. Immediately add sprinkles! The glaze sets fast, so decorate while it's still tacky. Go wild-this is the best part!

And there you have it! Soft, sweet, and seriously festive cookies that'll make your whole house smell like holidays. Now, try not to eat them all before your guests arrive… no promises, though!

Variations for Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

One of the best things about these cookies? They're like a blank canvas for your holiday creativity! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Flavor twists: Swap the vanilla in the glaze for almond extract (just ¼ tsp-it's potent!) or add a pinch of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a cozy touch.
• Dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based butter and cream cheese, and swap the milk for almond or oat milk. They'll still be deliciously soft.
• Glaze colors: Add a drop or two of food coloring to the glaze for pastel holiday hues-think pink for Valentine's Day or pastel shades for Easter.
• Beyond sprinkles: Try crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or even mini chocolate chips for texture. For a fancy twist, drizzle melted white chocolate over the glaze.
• Shape them up: Roll the dough into balls and flatten slightly before baking for perfect circles, or use holiday cookie cutters for fun shapes (just chill the dough first so they hold their shape).

The only rule? Have fun with it! These cookies are meant to spark joy-so go wild with whatever makes your holiday heart happy.

Serving and Storage Tips for Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Alright, let's talk about keeping these cookies as perfect as the moment you pulled them from the oven! First off, let the glaze set completely before stacking them-about an hour should do it. Otherwise, you'll have a sprinkly, sticky mess (ask me how I know).

For storage, tuck them into an airtight container at room temperature. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to keep the glaze from sticking. They'll stay soft and dreamy for up to 3 days, though let's be real-they'll probably vanish before then.

Want to get ahead? You can freeze the unglazed cookies for up to 2 months! Just pop them in a freezer bag with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temp, then glaze and decorate when you're ready. The dough freezes well too-portion it into balls and freeze on a tray before bagging. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Pro tip: If your kitchen's warm, stash the cookies in the fridge to keep the glaze firm-just let them come to room temp before serving for that perfect soft bite.

Helpful Notes for Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Listen, I've made these cookies more times than I can count-here are all my little "aha!" moments to save you some trial and error:

• Glaze too thick? Add milk a teaspoon at a time until it's spreadable. Too thin? Beat in a bit more powdered sugar. Aim for the consistency of yogurt-it should hold its shape when you drizzle a spoonful back into the bowl.
• Out of milk? Heavy cream makes them extra tender, but water works in a pinch (just use 1 tablespoon less). For the glaze, any liquid works-even a splash of eggnog for festive flair!
• Watch the bake time! These cookies go from perfect to overdone fast. Pull them when the edges barely blush golden-they'll firm up as they cool.
• No cream cheese? Swap it for mascarpone in the glaze, or skip it entirely and just dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar.
• Cookie dough sticky? Chill it for 30 minutes before scooping. Warm dough spreads too much.

Remember, imperfect cookies still taste amazing-mine often look "rustic" (read: lopsided), but nobody complains when they're this delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

Okay, let's tackle the questions I get asked most about these cookies-because if one person's wondering, chances are you are too!

1. Can I freeze the dough?
   Absolutely! Scoop it into balls, freeze on a tray, then toss them in a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes. Perfect for last-minute cookie emergencies.
2. Help-my glaze is runny!
   No panic! Just beat in more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it thickens. If it's really loose, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   You can, but the cookies won't be quite as rich or soft. If you do, grab the stick kind (not tub margarine) and add a pinch of extra salt to balance the flavor.
4. Why did my cookies spread too much?
   Likely your butter was too soft or your baking sheets were warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes next time, and always use cool pans.
5. Can I make these ahead?
   Totally! Glaze them the day you'll serve for the freshest look, but baked cookies (unglazed) keep in an airtight container for 2 days or freeze for months.

Still stumped? Drop me a comment-I've made every mistake so you don't have to!

Final Thoughts on Soft Sugar Cookies Dressed for the Holidays

There you have it-my all-time favorite holiday cookie recipe! These soft, sweet treats with their tangy cream cheese glaze and cheerful sprinkles are guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few happy crumbs) wherever they go. What I love most is how simple they are-no fussy techniques, just cozy, delicious results. So gather your sprinkles, crank up the holiday tunes, and bake up some edible joy. Share them with neighbors, mail carriers, or (if you're feeling generous) your family. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as these cookies!